When war comics reached the peak of their popularity, titles like Battle, Warlord, Valiant, the Hotspur, and Commando were highly sought after. These comics, especially those published in the 1950s and 1960s, often portrayed British troops displaying heroic acts against German foes. However, the original artwork for these comics was not considered valuable at the time and was often discarded or destroyed. Now, a dedicated group of comic collectors and researchers has managed to track down and preserve the surviving pieces, which will be showcased in an upcoming exhibition at the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum. The exhibition will mainly feature original pages from famous war comics like War Picture Library, Battle, and Action, highlighting the gritty and captivating artwork that contributed to the popularity of war comics. Rebellion, the company behind science fiction weekly 2000AD, has collaborated with the museum to collect and showcase these valuable pieces. Original comic art from this era commands high prices in the collectors’ market. Although there are few surviving pieces, Rebellion has done its best to gather as much as possible. The exhibition will take visitors on a journey through the decades, showcasing the development of war comics from the early 19th century to the revolutionary comics of the 1970s, which presented more authentic and emotionally-charged stories. Long-time comic readers will have the chance to revisit their favorite comics, while newer fans will gain insight into the evolution of the medium over the years. A significant shift occurred in the 1970s when Pat Mills wrote Charley’s War with artist Joe Colquhoun. Unlike typical war stories that glamorize conflict, Charley’s War focused on the horror and brutality of war, making it a highly impactful comic. Mills’ deliberate decision to present an anti-war story broke the assumption that young readers were only interested in action-packed adventures. Charley’s War was incredibly popular and is still considered one of the greatest war comics of all time. Rebellion has revived the merged Battle/Action for a modern audience, featuring talented writers and artists. These newer versions continue the tradition of portraying the grim realities of conflict. The original strip had a lasting impact on young readers, with some even abandoning their aspirations of joining the military due to its traumatic portrayal of war. The exhibition, titled “Into Battle: The Art of British War Comics,” will open on October 1st and will provide a nostalgic experience for long-time comic readers while introducing newer fans to the rich history of war comics.
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